Driving in a different country with different laws, perhaps on the other side of the road from your own country , can be hazardous. Belgians have only been taking a practical driving test since 1979, before that it was only necessary to take a written test.
There are driving schools in and around Brussels who give refresher courses of just a few hours. This is very sensible way to become accustomed to driving in Belgium. Look in the Yellow Pages (Auto-ecoles agrees par l'Etat/Autorijscholen met staatstaatserkenning).
Belgians have one or two important rules (see Excerpts from the Illustrated Highway Code). The most important is "priority to the right". This means that all cars coming from a street on the right have the right of way unless indicated otherwise (see Highway Code). Until the 1st January 1995 most roundabouts had the "priorite a droite" ruling; this has now changed but for a few exceptions (i.e. Montgomery), you should not take your priority entering a roundabout if there are teeth markings ( row of white triangles)on the ground and an inverted triangleroad sign or priority road sign (* see Highway Code).
All cars over 4 years old have to take a test of conformity but in any case , for your own and other's safety , you should always be sure your brakes are in a good state.
Learn the rules of the road, and always keep one eye on the right for incoming traffic.
The following documents must be kept in your car at all times:
- Belgian drivers license;
- valid automobile registration card, known as the carte grise;
- Insurance card, known as the green card (carte verte);
- Accident report form. Bilingual in Dutch and French, Also available in English enquire your insurance company
- Safety inspection certificate , issued by the Controle Technique, if applicable.
Certain items are required by the law to be kept in your car at all times:
- A sealed fire extinguisher (less than 5 years old) with the logo Benor V (Belgian norms) and with a capacity corresponding to the size of the vehicle.
- A triangular danger signal (for breakdowns or accidents).
- A first aid kit, of a legally approved model.
- Some spare bulbs and fuses.
For your convenience, you should have in your car:
- The plastic identification card , if any , issued by your hospital where a medical file may have been opened to your name.
- A Telecard for use in telephone booths (telecards are available from Belgacom, Post offices and some newspaper stands bookshops).
- A parking disc (to be used in 'blue zones' or if the parking meter is out of order).
- A supply of 5 and 20 franc coins, for parking meters. (check sign on meter before using coins, most meters must only be fed between 9 am & 6 PM)
- For towing purposes: a nylon or steel cable and a piece of red cloth.
- Pen and a piece of chalk.
Expatriates from the EU country could exchange their national driving license for a Belgian one. Indian expatriates unfortunately do not have that liberty since the driving licenses issued in India are not recognised in Belgium.
| STEPS INVOLVED IN ACQUIRING A BELGIAN LICENSE |
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Theory Test
Go to your nearest test centre and take an appointment for a theory test on a convenient day. Since only few tests are held every month in English, you are more likely to get an appointment in 4 and 12 weeks from the day you visit the test centre.
You have to take your residence card and 2000 BEF (translation fee) with you, when you go for registration. You need to pay 2000 BEF only if you decide to take the test in English. If you want to take the test in French or Dutch then you need not pay this amount.
On the day of your theory test, you have to pay an additional 600 BEF (examination fee) before entering your test hall. You need to pay this amount irrespective of the language you choose for your test.
If you do not possess an Indian license (or any other country's license) then you have to sit for a theory test and then have to undergo a practical examination. Before you appear for your practical examination you are obliged to take driving lessons.
If you already possess an Indian license (or any other country's license) then you still have to sit for a theory test and then have to undergo a practical examination but you are no longer obliged to take the driving lessons.
Driving Lessons and Practical Examination
Before you appear for your practical exams you have to take compulsory driving lessons. If you already have an Indian license then you are not obliged to take the driving lessons. If you choose to do so then you could appear for the practical examination only after 9 months from the day, you acquire the permit.
If you follow the classical path then you may choose any one of the following three models for Category B (motor car) license.
The Models :
Model 1
Registered driving school, minimum 8+2 hours driving lessons, covered by a provisional 9 month driving licence issued by the commune after having passed the theory exam. For those aged 18 and over, WITH "guide"
Model 2
Registered driving school, minimum 18 +2 hours driving lessons, covered by a provisional 6 month driving licence issued by the commune after having passed the theory exam. For those aged 18 and over, WITHOUT "guide"
Model 3
No driving course, training period covered by a provisional driving licence (12 months), for those aged 18 and over. WITH "guide". Anticipated driving training: minimum 10 +2+2 hours of driving lessons, training period covered by a provisional licence (valid 18 months) issued by the commune after having passed the theory exam. For those aged 17 and no older than 18. WITH "guide"
More information can be obtained
- By calling the 'Foreign driving licence' department of your Commune
- By writing to the Ministry for Communication - 'Driving License' department Rue de la Loi, 155 or alternatively by calling at 02 287 44 51 between 9.00 a.m. and 4 p.m.
| ADDRESSES OF TEST CENTRES : |
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Anderlecht :
Centre d'examen 1021
rue du Labeur 3-9
1070 Anderlecht
tel. 02/529.07.74
fax: 02/529.07.79
Schaerbeek :
Centre d'examen 1001
rue Colonol Bourg 118
1140 Brussels
tel. 02/726.91.52
fax: 02/726.81.57
Braine-Le-Compte :
Centre d'examen 1019
av. du Marouset 103
7090 Braine-Le-Comte
tel. 067/55.55.62
fax: 067/56.13.10
Ottignies Louvain La Neuve :
Centre d'examen 1025
Av. Albert Einstein 1
1348 Ottignies Louvain La Neuve
tel. 010/48.33.20
fax: 010/48.33.29
Driving test
Rue Colonol Bourg 118
1140 Brussels
tel. 02/726 91 52
fax: 02/726 81 57
| Most driving schools have many branches in Brussels. Here we list some of them. |
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First European driving schools:
Etterbeek-La Chasse : 02/640 00 55
Woluwe : 02/770 49 12
Uccle : 02/374 89 20
Escam:
Schaerbeek : 02/736 59 98
Ixelles : 02/648 80 22
Braine-L'Alleud : 02/385 04 91
Ecole de maîtrise automobile Peugeot:
centre d'enseignement, défense driving, formation, services,...
Ecole de formation de conduite:
Safe Drivers Plan
There are 3 sites which cover the highway code and road signs:
There are 2 sites on defensive driving:
Responsibility, Experience and Defence
This company has only one aim: to lower the number of road accidents.
Responsible young drivers
To make young drivers more responsible.
Informtion site on road safety:
The IBSR organisation
An info site on road safety, statistics and publicity campaigns.
